Improvement in fire-alarm telegraphs



5 SheetsShet 1. W. B. WATKINS.

Self Acting Fire Detecting and Locaiting Alarm Telegraph System.

No. 111,410. Patented Jan. 31', 1871.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2. W. B. WATKINS.-

Self Acting Fire Detecting and Locating Alarm Telegraph System. No.111,410. Patented Jan. 31, 1871.

5 She.ets-Sheet 3. W. B. WATKINS.

Self Acting Fire Detecting and Locating Alarm Telegraph System.

' No. 111,410. v Patented Jan. 31, 1871.

11111111111111111|1L1111111 mlnesses: .1 1

5 SheetsSheet 4.

W. B. WATKINS. Self Acting Fire Detecting and Locating Alarm TelegraphSystem. V No. 111,410. Patented Jan. 31; 187i.

5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

B. WATKINS. Self Acting Fire Detecting and Locating Alarm TelegraphSystem. No. 111,410.

Patenteq Jan. 31, 1871.

Chard:

m'tnessw "mi NORRIS PETERS ca, wow-mum, vusumswn, n c.

a la,"

I UNITED "STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IMPROVEMENT IN FIRE-ALARM TELEGRAPHS. v

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N0. lll,4l0, dated January31, 1871.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. WA'rKINs, of Jersey City, in the countyof Hudson and State of New Jersey, have invented a certain ImprovedSelf-Acting Alarm-Telegraph Sys term for detecting fires and signalingtheir location, of which the following is a specification:

The principal object of my invention is to provide a more perfect systemfor telegraphing alarms of fire automatically by means of the fireitself, so that the number of the street and the number of the buildingin the street, or any desired signal, may be sounded directly at thefire-department buildings, and at other points, at the very commencementof a fire in a building, so as to locate the fire with greater certaintybefore it can be seen from without, and by thismeans more effectuallyprevent the disastrous loss of life and property.

Another object of my invention is to combine, with a system oftelegraph-lines,means which will prevent the derangement of the lines,and further means by which derangements or breaks when theyoccur maybemore my system as to afford greater protection to the property on fire.

Another object is to, so arrange the self-acting alarm mechanism foroperating my system that it may be used by the public for giving alarmsof fire in a more certain manner than has heretofore been done, and thusafford means which shall meet all the requirements of a perfectfire-alarm system.

In carrying out the above objects, my invention consists, first, inconstructing mechanism and connecting the same with fire-alarm circuits,or other municipalgelegraph-lines, or with any main telegraph-lines, insuch a manner as to prevent the deragement of the main line by suchconnection, and so that buildings remote from each other may beconnected through the mechanism with the main line, by which means, whena fire occurs in such buildings, the fire itself, at its verycommencement, will set in motion the mechanism,which will then cause thenumber of the street and the number of the building to be telegraphed,-and sounded or signaled through the main lines at the desired points, insuch a manner that the peculiar signal shall not only indicate the exactspot, but also that the fire has just commenced to burn,thus saving thebringing out of machinery necessary to extinguish large fires, and theconsequent wear and tear of the same; second, in so constructing thealarm mechanism that after one alarm has been sounded, as abovedescribed, it will with* out further attention be left in working orderto sound another alarm through the main line by means of the fire,should one occur in any other building connecting with the mechan ism;third,in so constructing the mechanism that when any line which connectsthe buildings with the mechanism is broken from any cause, an alarm willbe sounded through the main line in such a peculiar manner as to givenotice to the fire department that no fire has oc .curred, but that aconnecting-line has broken,

and also the point where it connects with the main line, thus insuringimmediate attention to such derangements, and the most perfectprotection to all connecting-lines; fourth, .in so constructing themechanism th at,when such break occurs in any connecting line, themainline will not be broken thereby, but will, without attention, be left inworking order for sounding alarms from all other connecting lines;fifth,in so constructing themechanism that when a fire has broken out ina building not connected with my system, the same mech anism used forthe purposes above mentioned may be set in motion by any person by a single movement, by which means a different peculiar signal will be soundedthrough the main line, which will indicate, at different points, that afire has broken out, and has been discovered, and may be of such anextent as to require apparatus necessary for extinguishin g large fires;sixth, inso arranginga system of lines, and connecting and combining thealarm mechanism therewith, that both the fire and 'police departmentswill at the same instant be constant working condition of the main lineat all times.

Figure 1, Sheet No. 1, is a front elevation of the operatingmechanism,with the switchboard connected therewith arranged forconnecting with any main or municipal line, and also arranged forconnecting buildings with the mechanism by means of lines within thebuildings or running therefrom. Fig. 2 is a Fig. 6, Sheet No. 2, is atop view of the operating mechanism and switch-board, showing theline-connections with both and with each other. Fig. 7 is a front gviewof the box in which the mechanism is placed, having an outer and innerdoor, showing the outer door closed. .Fig. 8 is an elevation of the boX,showing the inside door of the same. Fig. 9, Sheet No. 3, isaperspective View of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figs.1 and 6, and showing more clearly the line-connections with the same.Figs. 10, 11, 1.2, 13, and 14, Sheet No. 4, are views of a hinged key,connecting with the main line, showing also an electro-magnet,connecting with, and operated by, the building-line with its armatureand lever, illustrating the different positions of the key and vibratinglever when brought into operation; also shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 15.Figs. 15 and 16, Sheet No. 5,

, are diagrams and plans illustrating the application of my self-actingfire-alarm system to a town or city or section thereof, showingdifferent points of connections of the different lines. Fig. 17 is a topView of aswitch-board, arranged and used for connecting the lines witheach of the boxes, and each of the alarm or operatinginstruments on themain line, and adapted to the working of my system, as illustrated inFig. 16, for instantly completing the electric circuit through all theinstruments in case of breaks in the main line. Figs. 18, 19, and 20show one form of break-circuits which may be used in working myself-actin g fire-alarm system. Fig. 21 represents another way in whichtherevolving switch B may be made. Fig. 22 shows the knob on thecrankhandle for winding the mechanism. Fig. 23 is an enlarged View ofthe switch-board 7L3, shown in the battery-office O in Fig. 15. Fig. 21represents one kind of heat-detector for setting in motion the mechanismfor sounding the number of the street and the number of the buildingthrough my system of lines. Fig. 25 represents one form of an automaticdevice for closing one telegraph-line by the breaking of anothertelegraph-line.

Upon asuitable frame, A, Figs. 1 and 2, is

arranged a train of wheels in any convenient manner, mounted upon shaftsa b 0 di To the shaftsb c d are fastened pinions. The pinion upon theshaft b is so arranged that while the shaft a, which carries the drivera turns once around, the shaft b, which carries the wheel '0 will turntwelve times.

The shaft a carries a ratchet, c, Fig. 6, into which takes a pawl, f,fastened to the driving cog-wheel a which turns loosely on its shaft.The train may be carried by the force of a spring, h, or by a weightsecured to the shaft 06 in the usual manner, and when wound up andreleased the train will be propelled by means of the ratchet e and pawlfin a wellknown manner. The speed of the train may be regulated by afly, t, secured to the shaft id, or by an escapement.

Upon the inside of the frame A, Fig. 6, is fasteneda pawl, j, which fitsinto a recess or notch cut in the main shaft to limit the turning Of theshaft in winding up the train. (Shown more clearly in Fig. 5, Sheet 1.)A spring, k

keeps the pawl on the shaft, but admits the lifting up of the pawl whendesired to adjust the tension of the mainspring h.

A wheel, B, Fig. 2, of rubber or other nonconducting material, ismounted loosely upon the shaft a. Upon the outside or circumference ofthe wheel are secured sections of metal or other conducting material7.", Z m n, in such a manner as to form alternate quartersections ofthecircumference or outside surface. The sections 70 and m are separatedand insulated from each other, as are also the sections 1 and n, so thatthe electric current,

when passing through one section, cannot pass to another section.

Upon one side or face of the wheel is fastened a ratchet, 0, and uponthe other side a similar ratchet,p, is fastened, as shown in Fig. 6. Anarm, 0, Fig. 1, is fitted to the shaft a, and turns with it; and to thisarm is fastened a pawl, g, which takes into the ratchet 0, so as to turnthe wheel with the arm when the train is released.

A pawl, r, Fig. 6, fastened to the outside of the frame A, takes intothe ratchet p and prevents the wheel from turning back when the mainshaft is turned in winding up the train.

For the purpose of completing the circuit of the different lines andbranches thereof through the different metallic sections of the wheel B,at different times, to be hereafter more fully described, three pairs ofmetallic figures or springs, 1, 2, 3, 4t, 5, and 6, (shown in Fig. 2,)are secured at one end to the frame A, and are insulated from it. Thefree ends of each pair press upon the wheel constantly, and each springis separated from the other. The electric current of the different linesor branches thereof passes alternately through these springs accordingto the position of the wheel B. Theposition shown in Fig. 2 is when thetrain is wound, and the arm C is then in the position shown in Fig. 1.

The circuit or branch thereof connecting with the springs 3 and i willnow be completed through the metallic section is, and in like manner thecircuit or branch connecting with springs 5 and 6 will be completedthrough the metallic section m. The electric current cannot pass throughthe springs 1 and 2 when the wheel is in the position shown in Fig. 2,as

the ends of the springs rest upon the non-conducting portion of thewheel B. I

Now, when the train is released, and, the arm 0 has carried the wheel Ba quarter-turn, the metallic sections m and kwill then be in theposition shown in Fig. 3, and the springs 3, 4, 5, and 6 will rest uponthe non-conducting 'portion of the wheel, and the circuit of thediiferent lines or branches connecting with these springs will then bebroken. But at the same instant that the circuits are broken through thesprings 3, 4c, 5, and 6, thecircuit of the line or branch connectingwiththe springs 1 and 2 will then be closed, as these springs will then restupon the metallic section 7c, which will be in corresponding position tothat of m, as shown in Fig. 3.

Another quarter-turn will bring the wheel in the position shown in Fig4, in which position the circuit connecting with springs 1 and 2 will bebroken, as these springs will then rest upon the non-conducting portionof the wheel, but the circuits of the lines connecting with springs 3,at, 5, and 6 will then be again completed through the metallic sectionsn and Z, upon which the springs will then rest.

As the half-turn of the wheel is the limit desired for the purposes tobe hereafter described, the train should now be wound, and the operationwill be repeated when the train is again released.

The wheel B I denominate a revolving switch, and one of its uses is, tocomplete the circuit of the different lines alternately through itsmetallic sections, so as to sound different alarms alternately throughthe different lines, as will be hereafter more fully described. Thisrevolving switch may be made in different forms, one of which isillustrated in Fig. 21, and which answers equally well in operating mysystem. In this instance the circumference of the wheel is divided intosix equal. sections of alternately conducting and non-conductingmaterial, and it will be seen that with the springs 3 4 and 5 6 restingon the metallic sectionsl and m,

' and the springs 1 and 2 resting on the nonconducting portion of thewheel, if a onethird turn be given to the wheel in the direction of thearrow, the circuits of the lines connecting with the springs will bealternately completed and broken, as described, the only differencebeing the duration of the circuit, which. will be during a sixth insteadof during a quarter turn through each pair of springs; and it will befurther seen that this wheel may be permanently secured to one of theshafts of the train, and be turned without the use of the ratchets andpawls. A circular metallic plate or disk, D,

-A metallic standard, F, Figs. land 6, is

fastened at one end to the base board G, and the other end pressesagainst the arm E. A metallic stripor rod, 3, is secured to the plateupon the back side thereof, and is also fastened to the frame or baseboard. The object of this arrangement, as will bev hereafter shown, isto connect a line or branch of a line with the standard F and strip 3,andto break the circuit of the same at intervals when the arm E is madeto revolve.

An electro-magnet, H, is secured to the base-board; and when theelectric circuit of a line is completed through the coils of the magnet,it will attract the armature 25, which is fastened to the lever to. Thislever works on a pivot in the frame 4), and the end w,

which carries .the armature, is pulled back from the magnet by the forceof the spiral spring 50, Fig. 1, fastened to the end y of the lever whenthe circuit is broken. The ten-. sion of the springsc is regulated bythe winding and unwinding of a, cord which passes through a staple, 2,and is fastened to the" spring and also to the shaft of the winder aFigs. 1 and 6. The upward movement of the lever to is regulated by theadj usting-screw- 19 which works in the frame 1). The lever it carries ahook or stop, 0', for catching a detent or fly, c, fastened to the shaft(Z. By this means the train may be held wound or be released by. themovements of the armature. To the base-board G is secured atelegraph-key, I, Figs. 1 and 6, upon a frame, J, in such a manner thatthe operating end thereof will be worked by the lever to, when thearmature t is attracted. the key shown in Fig. 1 is after the armaturehas been attracted and has opened the key.

The object of this arrangement is to repeat, automatically, through amain line embracing the key, any signal or message which may betransmitted through a primaryor operating line. The key I of the mainlinewis also so arrangedthat the breaking of thecircuit of the operatingline, which is completed through the coils of the magnet H, and whichoperates the armature t, will not break the circuit of the main line.

By reference to Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14,

Sheet No. 4, the construction and operation of these parts will be moreclearly seen. .To

the key I, Fig. 10, (seen also in Fig. 6,) is secured a pivot, c, whichworks in the frame The position of- J. The key is arranged for working aclosed circuit, and is kept down upon the anvil f by the light spring7c. The circuit of the main line is completed through the frame J, keyI, and anvil f To the operating end 9 is hinged an arm, g which worksfreely on a pivot, 71 The arm g is kept down upon the key by a lightspring, 2'. The key and frame are arranged upon the base-board, so thatthe end of the key or hinged arm will be operated by the lever u, whenthe armature is attracted by the magnet H, so as to raise the oppositeend of the key from the anvil f and to break the circuit of the mainline or branch thereof, as shown in Fig. 11. In making thefull downward.movement, the end 20 of the lever to will open and pass the key, andboth will then assume the position shown in Figs. 1 and 12. \Vhen thecircuit of the op erating line is broken the armature 6 will be releasedand the end w of the lever uin its upward movement will hit and raisethe hinged arm 9 as shown in Figs. 13 and 1- and without opening the keyI, and, after passing it,

the lever, hinged arm, and key will be in the position shown in Fig. 10.It will be seen that the lever u, in either of the positions, eitherafter the armature has been attracted or released, leaves the key I freeto be used by an operator, as in the ordinary manner.

Various modifications of the above-described. combination will readilysuggest themselves. I, therefore, do not confine myself to theparticular arrangement described, as any form or construction of keywhich can be operated by the vibrating armature or lever of anelectro-magnet in a manner similar to that described will answer equallywell for the purpose. To the base-board Gr, Figs. 1 and 6, but shownmore clearly in Fig. 9, is secured a switch, K, which turns on a pivot,L, and presses on a buttomj and is kept in this position by a spring,70'', also fastened to the base-board. Another switch, M, which may bealso used as a key, is secured to the base-board by means of the pivot Zon which it turns. In the position shown the ends are in contact with.the metallic buttons m and n, and the spring 0 keeps it in thisposition. Another spring, 19 is fastened at one end to the base-board,and is bent in the center, so as to spring into the notch g of theswitch K when it is pushed inward and off the button 3' Then the switchK is pushed in in this manner it carries with it the switch M, and bothswitches will then be in the position shown by the dotted lines in Fig.6, and the switch M will then be in contact with the buttons r and Theswitches K and M are brought into this position by means of the slidingrod 15? fastened to the inner door N, as seen in Fig. 6. Therod slidesfreely through an opening in the plate to, Fig. 8, which is secured tothe door. A flat armyu, fastened to the plate 10, Fig. 6, extendsthrough the door parallel with and underneath the rod, and is bent up atthe end 00. Through the bent part is an opening, through which the rodpasses, and which serves as a guide to the red. A light plate, e whichserves asa stop, is fastened to the rod upon the inside of the plate 10soas to prevent the rod from springing out or from being pulled out.Between the stop 12 and the guide as is a spiral spring, 2, through thecoils of which the rod passes. WVhen the inner door is closed or locked,and the knob g, which is fastened to the rod is pushed in, it will turnthe switches K and M in the position shown by the dotted lines, and theywill be held in this position bythe catch in the spring 19 The springs70 and 0 will also be sprung back by the switches. hen the rod 25 ispushed in in the manner described the spiral spring .2" will becompressed and will force the rod back when it is released. A stop, aFig. 9, arrests the switch K when ithas been pushed in the requireddistance, and thus prevents the weakening or breaking of the springs 7cand 0 Now, when the switches K and M are turned and are held by thespring 12 in. the position shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 6, and thearm 0 is in the position shown in Fig. 9,if the wound-up train be.

then released the arm 0 will turn with the shaft to, and when the armhas reached the positions shown by the dotted lines in Figs. 1 and 9, itwill have pressed back the spring 1), the switch K will then bereleased, and the springs 74: and 0 will then force both the switches Kand M back to the positions shown in Fig. 9.

By means of the knob 11* the switch M may be turned so as to be incontact with the buttonsr and s and it may be held in this position byturning the catch a in the position shown by the dotted lines in Fi 6.The switches 75 and Z Figs. 1 and 9, areused in connection with thebuttons m and n principally, for testing the lines connectin therewith,and also for telegraphing, as is also the magnet o and bell p and theiruse will be hereafter more fully described. The switchkey 25' is usedfor a similar purpose, with the line which operates the magnet H andarma ture t. Upon the switch-board O is a switch, 7*, which is used inconnection with the buttons F10 and ground-wire plate 10 for groun dingthe main line connecting therewith. The switch 5 is used with the button0 for cutting out the mechanism from the main line, when necessary, in amanner to be hereafter shown. The ground-wire connects with thelightningarrester P and the plate 10 Figs. 1 and 6. The switch a samefigures, is used in connection with the buttons 0 .61 and theground-wire plate f and ground-wire 8 for grounding the line 2, whennecessary. The switch b is used with the button a for switching out themagnet II, when necessary, as will be hereafter shown. The ground-wire sconnects with the lightning-arrester Q, andwith the plate f, Fig. 6. Thevibrating lever to, Fig. 6, carries an arm, (Z to the end of which isfastened aplate or card, 6 upon the face of which may be printed orstamped characters, either figures or letters; or, it may be otherwisearranged by means of different colors, so as to indicate, at all times,the condition of the line or circuit which operates the, magnet H andarmature 6. An

. opening is cut in the door N, Figs. 6 and 8,

so that the face of the plate or card 6 and the printing thereon, or thedifferent colors, may

be seen at a glance through the glass f (seen, also, in Fig. 8,) whichis secured in the opening. When the line which operates the armature tis closed, the plate 6 will be lowered by the downward movement of thearmature, and will indicate, as seen in Fig. 8, that the line is closed,and when the line or circuit is broken, the releasing of the armature twill raise the indicator, and it willbe seen through the glass, at aglance, that the line or circuit is broken. justment, as it will simplymove down or up as the armature t is attracted or released by theclosing or breaking of the circuit, and may be used upon all theinstruments of the different lines, to indicate the condition thereof.-This indicator may also be used for many other purposes. The train ofwheels may be wound by the use of such a key or crank as is used forwinding ordinary clocks; or, a crank, h having a knob or handle, 2' forthe purpose,may be permanently fastened to the shaft a, and the knob mayextendth rough a slot in the inner door, as seen by the dotted lines inFig. 8, so as to allow the door to be opened and closed freely. Thecrank will be in the position shown by the dotted lines when the trainis wound, and, if in this position the words wound anr unwound bestamped or printed uponthe knob t (seen more clearly in Fig. 22,) thecondition of the train will be indicated at a glance; for it will beevident that the word wound will be uppermost when the train is wound,and the word unwound will be apparent when the unwinding of the trainhas caused the crank to turn the limit described by the slot.

The object of this arrangement is to indicate the condition of thetrain, and by this means to prevent injury, which might result fromattempting to turn the crank in the wrong direction, as different trainswind in difierent ways.

The mechanism should be kept wound, and is intended to be usedprincipally to carry out, in a more perfect manner, (to be presentlydescribed), my self-acting system of sounding alarms of fire by means ofthe fire itself, so as to locate the fire at its very commencement. But,as the mechanism is also adapted for the use of the public, to sound analarm when a fire has broken out in a building not connected with thesystem, the proper instructions as to howto give the alarm should bepainted or secured to the inner door.

'The following instructions may be sufficient, viz: Push the knob in,then let it spring back, and lock the outer door. If no This indicatorwill require no adnoise is heard inside, go to the next nearest box.Upon the outer door the number of the box is seen, and also instructionsas'to where the key may be found, as seen in Fig. 7. The box may be madeof" ironor of any suitable material. The train of wheels, together withthe revolving switch and other. running parts, should be inclosed andsecured in an inner box, to exclude dust and moisture.

The points where the lines connect with the mechanism, and with thebuildings, are

shown in Figs. 15 and 16, Sheet No. 5.

The main line A Fig. 15, is provided with a battery, of any desiredconstruction, which may be kept in any suitable room or building, 0which I denominate the battery-office. In the battery-office is alsoareserve-battery, s", not connected with the lines, but kept in workingorder for cases of emergency, and is used principally for connectingwith the main line A while the battery R is being renewed or repaired.This is accomplished by turning the switch f upon the button 9 whichconnects with one pole of the battery 8, (shown. more clearly in Fig.23,) and by turning the switch h upon the button i which'connects withthe other pole of the battery, the battery R may then be removed forrenewal. This reserve-battery may also be used for connecting part ofthe mainline A with the ground-wire c, in case of breaks, as will behereafter shown.

it connects in a manner to be hereafter described. From the box it runsto enginehouse No. 8, and is there connected with an ordinary elect-r0magnetic sounder or gong, and in like manner it is connected withpolice-station S. It is then connected with the asylum, box 16, hotel,engine-house No. 5', with the bank, with box 17, police-station T, withthe furniture-warehouse, with the public hall, .then with theengine-house No. 9; and returning to the, battery-office C the circuitis there.

completed through the coils of the electromagnetic sounder or gong '5register inclosed in the box j switches 10 and f thence returning to thenegative pole of the battery R. In each engine-house and police-stationan alarm gong or sounder is connected with the line. The sounder Z andkey m may be brought into the circuit for telegraphing by turning theswitch 7c, as shown by the dotted lines, so as to connect with thebranch W. The object of connecting the main line with a limited numberof police-stations is to secure the immediate protection of thepolice-department in case of fire, so as to. prevent the operation ofthieves at such times. In the furniture-warehouse numbered 3, andrepresented as being on Fourth street;;is a line, U, which I denominatea local fire-detecting line. It is provided with a battery, 3 andelectro-magnet, 75 having a lever and an armature, attached thereto,which the magnet operates when the local circuit is closed and broken.This line runs from one pole of the battery, and extends to thedifferent rooms of the building, and also to the workshop, numbered room2, and in each room the line may be connected with any suitableheat-detecter, which, when acted upon by heat, will close thelocalcircuit and operate the armature t of the magnet t From theheat-detecter in each room the line may be brought to an indicator, uwhich may be so arranged as to indicate in which room the fire hasoccurred, and at the indicator the lines may terminate in a single linewhich leads to the other pole of the battery.

In the instance shown the heat-detecter used is that patented byAlexander Ross, March 10, 1863, and now owned by the subscriber; andconsists of a compound strip of two different metals, r connecting withone pole of the battery, and an adjustable metallic index-arm, w whichconnects with the other pole of the battery. It will be seen that theline U connects the different strips in the different rooms with onepole of the battery, while from the adjustable metallic index-arm ineach room a line connects with the other pole of the battery, so thatwhen the adj ustable arm is set at any desired degree above thetemperature of the room the arm and compound strip will be separated, asshown in room No. 3, Fig. 15; but when the compound strip'is acted uponby heat, and the temperature in the room has reached the desired point,the arm and compound strip will be brought in contact, as seen in roomNo. 2, Fig. 15, which will close the local circuit and spring an alarm,as is more fully described in the patent above referred to. I utilizethe force brought into operation by a heat-detecter to operate myself-acting fire-alarm system, as will be presently seen. i

In the furnituire-warehouse is another battery, W, from which runs aline, V, the circuit of which is completed through the coils of themagnet 50 and break-circuit 12 The magnet 00 has an armature and alever, 2 arranged as shown in Figs. 1-0, 11, and 13, Sheet No. 4. Themain line A is brought into the building, and is connected with a key,a, which is constructed and arranged to be operated by the lever a asdescribed, and shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14:, Sheet 4:. Thebreak-circuit 'f may be of any desired construction, and non-conductorsmay be inserted on its edge or surface, or it may have notches cutin itto correspond with the number of the street and the number of thebuildin g, or pins maybe arranged upon a wheel at proper intervals,which, when made to revolve, will open a key at intervals, so as tosound the number of the street and the num ber of the building.

In the instance shown the brealccircuit y is arranged with four breaksat short intervals to open and close the line V when the arm a is madeto revolve, so as to sound the number of the street, and three breaksare arranged at longerinteiw'als, so as to sound the number of thebuildin g. i The arrangement of the breaks is more clearly seen in Fig.18. It will also be seen that there is a metallic interval, b betweeneach group, to separate one from the other, and a longer metallicinterval, 0 between the beginning and ending of .the

' series.

As different ways in which the break-circuit 3 may be operated has beenfully described in patents granted to me, and bearing even dateherewith, further description here is deemed unnecessary, except tostate that upon the commencement of a fire in the building, as shown inroom No. 2, the local line U will be closed, the armature 75* will beoperated, and may be made to setin motion the breakcircuit, either byreleasing a wound-up train of wheels or by working an electro-magneticmotor, soas to revolve a break-wheel, or revolve an arm, a, around abrake-wheel, as has been fully described in the patents above re--ferred to.

When the break-circuit is set in motion, or the arm a is made to revolveby the effect of the fire, it will operate the lever 2 at intervalscorresponding to the breaks in the disk g and the leverwill, at the sameintervals, operate the key a in the manner shown and described in Figs.10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, Sheet No. 4, and will open and close the line Aso as to sound the number of the street and the number of the buildingdirectly at all the engine-houses and police-stations connected with theline A immediately upon the breaking out of a fire in the building.

It will be evident than-instead of using the compound strips '0 andindex-arm 10 to close.

the local circuit by the effect of the heat, I can use a series ofordinary mercury thermometers, 413 Fig. 24, in which the mercury answersthe purpose of the compound strip, the line U connecting the mercury ineach of the bulbs with one pole of the battery .5 and, in place of theadj ustable arm 10 adjustable metallic wires g are inserted in theopening of the glass tube which leads to the mercury. By setting thesewires 3 at any desired degree above the .temperature of the room, when afire commences in the room the mercury Wlll expand and comein contactwith the metallic wires 3 and-bythis means thelocal circuitwillbe closedand will operate the armature t and by this means the break-circuit 1/of the line V may be operated, either by releasing a train of wheels orby operating an electro-magnetic motor for the purpose of sounding thenumber of the street and that of the building in the enginehouses. In asimilar manner various other heat-detecters may be used to set in motionthe break-circuit by the effect of the fire. Now, if the line V in thebuilding No. 3, Fig. 15, should be broken from any cause, the lever .23

the main line by such connections.

would simply raise and pass the hinged arm g (shown more clearly inFigs. 13 and 14, Sheet No. 4,) leaving the main line A unbroken. In thismanner the public hall, asylum, hotel, and bank (represented in Fig. 15)may be connected with the main line, and without perceptibly increasingthe resistance of the line, as no additional magnets are brought intothe circuit, and by this means it will be seen that valuable buildingsdistant from each other in towns or cities may be connected with a mainline, so as to give an alarm at all the fire-department buildings andpolice-stations, and instantlyflocate afire at its very commencement andwithout any liability of deranging But, to make the system more generaland to secure additional advantages in workingit, as will be hereafterseen, I construct independent lines X Y Z in diiferent parts of a townor city, as shown in Fig. 15. Each line is provided with a battery, keptin a convenient place, and connects with different buildings, and ineach building the line connects with a break-circuit of any desiredconstruction, arranged to openand close the circuit so as to sound thenumber of the street and the nu mber of the building, or any desiredsignal, in case of fire, so as to locate the building. Each building isprovided with any suitable local fire-alarm or heat-detecter, which,when acted upon by the fire as described, will set in motion thebreakcircuit. The circuit of the line X is from one pole of the batteryd" through the coils of the magnet which operates the alarm-bell a,building 20, church 21, alarm-box 16, buildings 22, 23, and 24, to theother pole of the battery.

The circuit of the line Y is from one pole of its battery f alarm-bellg", buildings 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, alarm-box 17, and building 30, tothe other pole of the battery.

The circuit of the line Z is from one pole of its battery h through themagnets of the alarm-bell "6 building 31, alarm-box 13, buildings 32,33, and 14, to the other pole of the battery.

One form of a break-circuit, 7' with which the line Z connects, is shownin building 14, which is represented as being on Third street.

The break-circuit j, shown also in Fig. 19, is

arranged with three breaks at short intervals so as to open the line Zto sound the street- 'number 3, and with the breaks at longer intervalsto sound the number of the building 14, and the circuit will be brokenat the intervals shown in Fig.'19, when the arm k is made to revolve byclosing the local circuit bymeans of a heat-detecter, as described.

The connections of the main line A and the building-lines Z with thealarm mechanism are shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 9, the connections beingthe same in all the boxes.

The main line A Fig. 6, enters the box, and, passing through thelightning-arrester and metallic buttons upon the switch-board 0,

runs in the direction of the arrows to the From the post m the linereturns to the switch-board O, and, passing through the connectionsthereon, leaves the box for other points. From the screw-post Z, Figs.6and 9, another branch, 37, runs to the spring 3, and the circuit iscompleted when the wheel B is in the position shown through the section711 spring 4, wire 38, metallic frame J, Fig. 6, key

. I, wire 39, button n switch M, button m and wire 40, to the screw-postm part of the connections being shown more clearly in Fig. 9.

The building-line Z, Fig.9, enters the box and passes in the directionof the arrows through the lightning-arrester Q upon the switch-board Oto the screw-post or, and the circuit is completed through wire 41,spring 5, metallic section m of the wheel B, (shown more clearly in Fig.9,) spring 6,W1re 42, button j, switch K, wire 43, coils of magnet II,

Fig. 6, wire 44, to the screw-post 0 and in the direction of the arrows,back to and through the connections on the switch-board ofif to otherconnections shown in Fig. 15.

Now, if the mechanisms in the boxes 13, 16, and 17, Fig. 15, are wound,in which condition they should be kept, and the circuit of the main lineA is closed, and the lines X Y Z are also closed, upon the commencementof a fire in a building, arranged with local firealarms orheat-detecters, and connected, as

described, with eitherof the lines, the operation of the alarm mechanismin the box will be as follows, viz: Presuming a fire to have commencedin a building, number 14, in street number 3, Fig. 15, the break-circuitj, connecting with the line Z in the building, will be brought intooperation by a local firealarm orheatdetecter, which may be arrangedtherein for that purpose, in a manner similar to that shown in roomsNos. 2 and 3, Fig. 15. The line Z will then be opened and closed atintervals corresponding to the number of the street and the number ofthe building, which will operate the armature t and lever to, andrelease the train in boX 13, Figs. 1 and (3, at corresponding intervals.

The lever u, by this means, will open the key I at the same intervals,and while the fingers or strips 3 and 4 are on the metallic section 70of the wheel B, Fig. 2, the circuit of i the main line A will becompleted through the key I by the connections shown in Figs. 6 and 9,and by this means the number of the street and the number of thebuilding will be sounded at all the engine-houses and policestations,through the line A, at the very commencement of the tire; and this alarmwill continue to be sounded until the unwinding of the train has broughtthe wheel B in the position shown in Fig. 3. In this position of thewheel the fingers or strips 3 4 and 5 S will be 011 the non-conductingsection of the wheel, and the strips 1 and 2 will be upon the metallicsection it, which will divert the current of the main line A through thebreak-plate D by the connections hereintofore described. Thisbreak-plateis arranged with four breaks, (seen more clearly in Fig. 20,) to openthe line A, so as to sound the number of the box 13, through the mainline; and for this purpose the breaks upon the plate D are at longerintervals than those upon the break-plate 7' in the building, as shownin Figs. 1 and 20. As the strips 5 and 6 w11l be resting upon thenon-conductin g por tion of the wheel in the position last described,the circuit of the building-line Z will be broken. The armature twilltherefore be released, the lever u will assume the position shown inFig. 10, in which position the catch 0 (seen 1n Figs. 1 and G) will bereleased from the detent or fly 6 by which means the train will rununinterruptedly during the next quarter turn of the wheel B, duringwhich interval the arm E will revolve three times around the plate D,and each revolution will open and close the circuit of the main line Aso as to cause the number of the box 13 tobe sounded at all theengine-houses and policestations on the main line. Then the full halfturn of the arm 0 is completed, the wheel B will have been turned in theposition shown in Fig. 4, and the circuit of the lineZ will then becompleted through the strips 5 and 6, which will then rest upon themetallic section n, and the current passing through the coils of themagnet II will attract the armature t, and bring down the catch 0 so asto stop the train.

At the same instant that the circuit of the line Z is closed through thestrips 5 and 6, the circuit of the main line A will be closed throughthe strips 3 and 4 and metallic section Z, upon which the strips willres t, as the wheel, in the position shown in Fig. 4, brings the sectionZ in a corresponding position to that of n. The circuit of the main linewill now be broken through the plate D, as the strips 1 and 2,connecting with the plate, will, in the position of the wheel lastdescribed, be left resting upon the non-conducting section of the WheelB. The circuit of the main line will now be completed through the key Iby means of the branches connecting with strips 3 and 4. If the arm 0 beshort enough to pass the base-board G unobstructedly upon thecommencement of another firein any of the-buildings connected with theline Z, or upon the continuance of the fire in building 14, thealternate alarms will be repeated and sounded, as above described, untilthe train runs down; but if the arm 0 is long enough to enter the socketp, as shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 9, when the arm has made the half turn,it will be held in the position shown by the dotted lines in Figs. 1 and9; and upon the commencement of another fire, and without furtherattention to the train, an alarm will be sounded through the main lineby means of the lever u and the key I, giving the number of the streetand the number of the building at all the enginehouses andpolice-stations untilthe fire is extinguished.

Now,if the train is wound and the mechanism and parts thereof are in theposition shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 9, and the circuit of the line Z isbroken either by design or accident, orby the running down of thebattery 7L Fig. 15, the armature twill be released and remain so untilthe line is repaired. In its upward movement it will'lift and pass thehinged arm and release the train, as described, which will rununinterruptedly, carrying with it the wheel B. WVhen the wheel hasturned in the position shown in Fig. 3, so that the fingers or strips 1and2 are upon the metallic section 70 or t, the circuit of the main linewill then be through the break-plate D, and an alarm through the mainline will be given, sounding the number of the box three times by thesame number of revolutions of the arm E, as described. Upon thecompletion of the half turn of the wheel B the arm 0 will enter thesocket p, and the train will be arrested, and the circuit of the mainline will now be completed through the fingers 3 and 4 and the key I. Bythis means, the signal given being different from either of thefire-signals, it will be known that a firedetective line has broken, andalso the point where it connects with the main line, thus insuring themost perfect protection to the c011- necting-lines and the constantworking condition of the main line. The line Z having been repaired, thetrain is again wound. Now, when a fire has broken out and has beendiscovered in a building not connected with the system, the persondiscovering the fire goes to the nearest boXin this instance supposed tobe box 13-procures the key, unlocks and opens the outer door, pushes inthe knob Figs. 6 and 8, and lets it fly back. This operation turns andfastens the switches K and M in the positions shown by the dotted lines,Fig. 6; and they will be held in this position by the spring 12 untilthe spring is forced back by the arm 0, as described. The turning of theswitch K, as described, off the button j breaks the circuit of the lineZ, which releases the armature t and the train, and the circuit of themain line having also been broken through the key I by turning theswitch M with the switch K, the circuit will now be completed throughthe break-plate D, during the whole half-turn of the wheel 13, in thefollowing manner, viz: During the first quarter-turn the circuit will becompleted from the screw-post Z, Figs. 6 and 9, through the Wire 37,springs 3 and 4, wires 45, 46, 47, coils of the magnet g wires 48, 49,50, button r switch M, button 3 wire 51, standard F, revolving arm E,plate D, spring 3, and wire 36, to the screwpost m. During the lastquarter turn the cirner already described. The arm E during the. entireinterval will revolvesix times around the plate D, and during eachrevolution the number of the box in which the mechanism is placed willbe sounded at all the engine-houses and police-stations, bringing thefiremen and policemen to the box, who will there be informed where thefire has broken out. The arm 0, in the meantime, as shown by the dottedlines in Fig. 9, will have released the switches K and M by forcing backthe spring 19 which will leave both lines'closed, as at thecommencement, as the wheel B will be in the position shown either inFig. 2 or 4,,whether the train be wound or unwound. The train should nowbe wound to be ready for operating in either manner described.

It will thus be seen that, by the use of the same mechanism, fourdifferent alarms may be given, from different causes, in a manner toindicate the particular cause of the alarm: first,when the mechanism hasbeen left wound and a fire has but just commenced in a building; second,when the mechanism has run down,and a fire has but just commenced;third, when the train has been left wound and a connecting-line hasbroken; fourth, when the train has been left wound, and is released byan operator upon the discovery or breaking out of a fire, thus affordingthe most perfect protection against fire.

The'switch-key M may be used in telegraphing by turning it in theposition shown .by the dotted lines, so as to complete the circuitthrough the coils of the magnet 1 which operates the armature r* whenthe line is opened and closed by means of the switch-key. By this meansmessages may be transmitted through the line and received at any of theboxes.

When a break occurs in the main line the switch h in the battery-office0 Fig. 15, (seen more clearly in Fig. 23,) is turned upon the button,1'6, and the switch 7" is turned 011 the button k, which connects theline on the left side with battery 3'? and the ground-wire c. The switch10 is theirturned on the button Z, which connects the line on the rightside with the ground-wire 9?. N ow, suppose the break to have occurredat the point B Fig. 15. If the ground-wires are connected with the lineat the police-station s and at box 16, the circuit of the line will becompleted through the ground on each side of the break, as shown by thedotted lines, and all parts of the line will be in working order exceptthat part betweenthe police-station and the box. In testing for breaksin the main line the groundwires in the battery-office are connectedwith the line in the manner described, orby means of the arrangementscommonly used in telegraph-stations for grounding the lines. Theswitch-key M in the boxes is then turned, as above described, fortelegraphiug, and the switch r which connects with the gro und-wire .70through the plate 20 upon the switch-board 0, Fig. 6, is now turned uponthe button a or 29, to find upon which side of the box or in whichdirection to look for the break.

If the circuit is completed through the ground upon either side, so asto operate the armature T the test is continued upon that side in thesame manner until the break is located, similar switch-boards 0 beingar- 1 A m and 01, and the circuit will be completed from the screw-postZ through the wire 52,

button n switch Z wires 46, 47, 48', 49, (which lead to'and from thecoils of the magnet 41 switch If, button m and wire 53 to the screW-.post m thus cutting out all connections with the mechanism. It, now, theground-wire be connected with either side of the line, by turning theswitch 11 on I the button 11? or 6 and the armature 1" is operatedthereby, the

break will have been detected in the mech-, anism, and if it cannot berepaired in the box, the switch .9 Fig. 6, may be turned on the button cand the switch b may be turned on the button 6 which will keep bothlines closed, and cut out the entire mechanism, which may now be removedand replaced by a duplicate, or be repaired.

The building-line Z, may have its batteries and switches connectingtherewith, arranged in a manner similar to that described for the mainline A and in each building connecting with the line Z there should be alightning-arrester and ground-wire, and switch connecting therewithsimilar to that described for the main line and shownupon theswitchboard O. I lVhen the breaks-occur in the line Z, the ground -wiresin the battery-room should first be put on. The break is then tested forat different points by turning the switch a either upon the button 0 or(1 Fig. 6, bywhich the line will be connected with the ground-wi re 3 Intesting in the box, if no circuit is obtained on either side, theswitchkey t is turned on the button w, as seen by the dotted lines inFig. 6. The circuit willnow be completed through the wire 54, switch tcoils of the magnet H, and wire 44. If the armature t is now operated byconnecting either side with the ground-wire, the fault may be found inthe connections with the mechanism, which may be repaired in the box,

or the mechanism may be removed, as de-. scribed, by turning theswitches 79 and s in the position shown by the dotted lines.

The above description illustrates the application and working of themechanism as applied to my fire-detective and alarm-system, whencombined with a single main line A and it is evident that the mechanismcan be applied to any main fire-alarm circuit, or other main line, andbe worked in the same manner. But my complete system, arranged toinstantly complete the circuit through all the instruments and boxeswhen breaks occur in the main line, is illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17,by

which arrangement the delays incident to obtainin g a circuit at suchtimes through all the boxes and instruments is entirely obviated.

As breaks in telegraph-lines are most liable to occur during high winds,and as conflagrations are most disastrous and more difficult to controlat such times, it is of the highest importance that a fire-alarm systemshould be so constructed that derangements in the lines may be instantlyremedied. For this purpose I run two main lines, A and B from the bat-.tery-oflice 0 Fig. 16, and connect both lines with the switchboard ineach box, and in each fire-department building and police-station, in amanner to be presently described. The line A Fig. 16,runs from one poleof the battery R, in the direction of the arrow, through the switch m,and the circuit is completed through all the boxes and buildings, andreturns to the battery through the switch n and-coils of: the magnet 0which works the sounder or gong-bell p. The circuit of the line B isfrom the battery D through the switch q", and embraces in its circuitthe same instruments as the line A and returns to the battery-office,where it connects with the button r". The connections of both lines withthe mechanism in the boxes and with the instruments in the differentbuildings are such that, if a break should occur in the line A as at BFig. 16, the circuit will be immediately completed through all theinstruments and boxes without testing for the break, and withoutconnecting with any ground-Wires by simply turning the switch 8 uponbutton T, which closes the line B and brings into the circuit the magneti for operating the sounder or bell connected therewith. The switch 3may be turned on the button r by an operator, or by the batteryattendant, or when the attendant is not present devices may be arrangedin the battery-office so that the breaking of one line will cause theother to be closed automatically. One way of accomplishing this objectis shown in Fig.- 25, Sheet No. 3. The switch A when turned on thebutton B diverts the current of the main line A through the coils of themagnet G which will then operate an armature, D and an arm,E fastenedthereto, so as to catch the fly F or any detent arranged for the purposeof holding a train of wheels wound up. Screw-threads are out upon one ofthe shafts, G of the train, and a traveling nut, H having threadscorresponding with the screw, is mounted on the shaft. The nut movesfreely upon guide rods J which are secured to the frame K These rodsprevent the nut from turning, so that it may be moved forward when theshaft G2 is turned.

Now, when a break occurs in the line A the armature D and the train willbe re-- leased, the shaft G will revolve and cause the nut H to becarried forward to the position shown by the dotted lines, where it willbe stopped by the head L on the end of the shaft G and in moving forwardthe nut may be made to turn the switch 3 upon the button T in theposition shown by the dotted lines, so as to close the line Bautomatically when a break occurs in the line A Another way ofaccomplishing this is to secure an arm to one of the shafts of thetrain, so that, when turned by releasing the train, it will pass overand come in contact with the switch 8, and press it down upon a button,rfl'and in this case the switch should be a springswitch, arranged overthe button.

The arrangement of the switches upon the switch-board O for connectingboth lines with the same instrument or mechanism, so that they may beoperated by either line, is seen in Fig. 17. The line A enters the boxin the direction of the arrows, and runs, through the button 10 switchif, to the button w. The line B enters in the direction of the arrow,passes through the button or, switch y, and forms a junction with theline A at the button w. If the line A is closed and the line B is open,as shown in Fig. 16, the circuit willbe completed from the button wthrough the line connecting it with the screw-post 1*, from which thecircuit is completed through the mechanism, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9,returning to the screw-post m, from which, as shown in Fig. 17, the lineruns, in the direction of the arrow, through the button z,lightning-arrester P,buttons a, b, and 25 from which it leaves the boxin the direction of the arrow. Now, if the line A is broken, as at B,Fig. 16, and the switch 3 is turned upon the button 7"", the circuitwillbe immediately closed through the line B, and the circuit will becompleted in the box through the switchboard, Fig. 17, and will pass, inthe direction of the arrow, through the connections shown to thejunction-button wL-from which it will be completed through theconnections in the mechanism above described for line A, returning'tojunction-button a, from which the circuit of the line B is completedthrough the button 0 and button (1", leaving the box in the direction ofthe arrow. The circuit now bein g completed through the line 13 andthrough the operating mechanism in all the boxes, and through the alarminstruments, the break in line'A is tested for in the following manner,and without interfering with the line B viz: the switch a in thebattery-office, Fig. 16, is first turned on the button e", whichconnects the line A upon the left side, with the groundwire f. In eachbox and building in turn,

upon the left side of the battery-office, the

switch 4; is turned on the button g Fig. 16.

Commencing, at the box 13, or engine-house No. 8, the line A will beconnected with the ground when the switch 1' is turned on the button 15Fig. 17, and if the line is not broken between the battery-office andthe point where the test is made the circuit will be completed throughthe switch 1; when turned, as shown by the dotted lines, on the button 9thence through the wire 60, the button h", wire 61, wire 47, coils ofthe magnet (1 wires 48, 62,

and 63, switch 0*, ground-wire plate 10 and wire 66, which connects withthe ground-wire .70 by which means a'current will be obtained which willoperate the armature T The test is continued in this manner until thebreak is detected, and, when repaired, the switch a Fig. 16, is turnedin the position shown by the dottedv lines, off the button c and theswitch o is turned in the position shown by the black lines, as at thecommencement, so that if a break should occur in the line 13 the circuitmay be completed through the line A by turning the switch a on thebutton u. In testing for breaks in theline A upon the right side of thebattery-office, theswitch m Fig. 16, is turned on the button 0 whichconnects with the ground-wire f and the switch 0 Fig. 17, is turned onthe button 102 at the different stations-and boxes, until the break isdetected. Should a break occur in the line B it may be detected in themanner as already described for line A by means of the switches s or q,Fig. 16, which connect the line on either side with the ground-wire f atthe battery-office, and the switch j", Fig. 17,

which, at the boxes or buildings, will connect.

the line with the ground-wire 00 when turn ed on the button m or d bywhich means a current may be obtained which will operate the armature Twhen the switch 3 is turned on the button Z.

The'entire mechanism, or the instrument connected withthe switch-board,Fig. 17, may be cut out, and either line will remain closed when theswitch 5 is turned on the button '0 When the switch 1; is turned on thebutton 19 the current of the line A will pass through the switch and offthrough the line without passing through any other connections, and inlike manner the current of the line B will enter and pass out when theswitch y is turned on the button 0 hen the above arrangement of.switches for the main line, as shown in Fig. 17, is used in the boxes,the arrangement of switches for the building-line Zin the boxes is thesame as shown in Fi 6, (shown also in Fig. 17.)

It will be understood that the arrangement of switches for the main lineA and B in the fire department buildings, police stations, and otherbuildings, will correspond with the arrangement upon the switch-boardsin the boxes, as shown in Fig. 17 5 but in the buildings the linesleading to and from the switchboards will pass directly to and from thecoils of the magnets which operate the alarmsounders, gong-bells, orother instruments.

braced in the main line A for the purposeof closing and opening a localcircuit in the fire department and police-buildings to work the soundersor gongs in such buildings.

Instead of fastening the boxes containing the alarm mechanism to theoutside of buildings or to telegraph-poles, they may be kept in hotelsor other public places indoors, where access may be had to them at alltimes, and by this means injury to the works from outdoor exposure andfalse alarms may, in a great measure, be prevented. If they areconnected with the lines in this manner signs may. .be placed on thestreet-corn ers at different points, directing the public to placesWhere the alarmboxes maybe found. Having described my invention, Iclaim- 1. The combination of any fire-alarm circuit or maintelegraph-line, A with the alarmoperating mechanism in the boxes,substaning orbuilding line, Z, also connecting with the mechanism andwith break-circuits. in different buildings, which have local circuitsand heat-detecters arranged therein for operating said break-circuits,substantially as described, the whole arranged to be brought intooperation so as to sound a different alarm from different causes throughthe main line under the different conditions, essentially as described.

2 Thecombination of the sliding or operating rod 25 with the switch K,catch-springp stop G2, switch M, buttons r ands all arranged andconnected with the different lines and with the operating mechanism, as.described, for the purpose of releasing the train by turning the switchK by means of an operator, as described, and by this means diverting thecircuit of the main line through a break-circuit, D, and itsconnections, so as to sound a different peculiar signal through the mainline, as described, which will indicate that a fire has broken out in abuilding not connected with the fire-detecting lines.

3. The combination of the arm 0 and spring 1) for releasing the switchK, so as to allow the springs 70" and 0 to force back the switches-K andM to their original position after they have been turned by an operator,

so as to automatically close both lines after an alarm has been sounded,as described.

4 A self-acting indicator, consisting. of the, combination of a magnet,H, vibrating armature t, and lever u, adjustable spring 00, stopscrew1), frame 7:, arm d platecard or indicator 6 opening or glass f arrangedand op erating essentially as described.

5. The combination of a telegraphkey, I,

hinged spring-arm 9 the anvil f spring M, with a vibrating armature, t,and a magnet, H, for the purpose described.

6. The combination of the following elements, viz: a fire-alarm circuitor other main line, A embracing a hinged key, a a seconcb ary oroperating line or circuit, V, with its battery WV, magnet :0 andarmature and lever z, and embracing a break-circuit, 11 a localfirealarm circuit, U, or a series of local fire-alarm circuits combinedwith heat-detecters, all operated as described, so that upon thecommencement of a fire in abuilding the local circuit therein will beclosed, a break-circuit, '1 will be operated, so that a signal, or aseries of signals, which will locate the fire will be sounded by meansof the fire itself through the main line without the liability ofderangin g the main line by the breaking or derangement of any of theconnecting-lines.

7. The combination, with a train of wheels, of one or more revolvingswitches, 13, having alternate conducting and non-conducting sectionsthereon, springs 1 2, 3 4, and 5 6, which connect with the revolvingswitch and also with the main line A and building-line Z, and with thebreak-circuit D, key I, and magnet H, by means of the branch wires andother connections described, for the purpose of diverting the current ofthe main line alternately through the key I and plate D, or througheither alone, when operated as described.

8. The combination and arrangement of the switch M, buttons r and withthe branch wires leading therefrom, and the catch 0 for holding theswitch M in the desired position for bringing into the circuit of themain line the coils of the magnet q by means of the branches leading toand from the same for the purpose of operating the armature r intelegraphing and testing for breaks, as described.

9. The combination of the switch 70 button m switch Z button 41 andbranches connecting the same with the screw-posts 1 m and coils of themagnet g for cutting out all other branches and connections of the mainline wit-h the mechanism, and for the purpose of detecting faults orbreaks in the line when they occur in the mechanism, as described.

lO. The combination of the switch 7*, buttons t 11, 10 and ground wire01: with the main line A for grounding the line on either side, asdescribed.

11. The combination of the switch 8 button 172, switch 17 and button afor closing both lines A and Z and for cutting out all connections ofthe same with the operating mechanism, so that the mechanism may beremoved when desired, as described.

12. The combinationof the spring-switch 15", button a, branches 43 lt,coils of the magnet H, and branch 54 for cutting out from the line Z thebranches leading through the mechanism, and for telegraphing whendesired, as described.

13. The arrangement of words or characters upon the knob or handle 6* insuch manner as to indicate the condition of a train or mechanism in theboxes, as described-that is to say, whether the train is wound orunwound.

14. The combination of a telegraph-line, A and switches h and f with thebattery R and the battery 8', for the purpose of renewing or repairingeither battery when desired, as described.

15. The combination of the switches h, button 7;", battery 8", switch j,button It, and ground-wire 0", and the switch f battery R, switch f,button Z, and ground-wire g for dividing the line A into two circuitswhen the ground-wires are put on in the boxes'or buildings, asdescribed.

16. The combination of two main lines, A and B, the line A closed andthe line B open, or vice versa, and each having its own independentbattery, both lines arranged substantially as described, so as toconnect with the same operating mechanism and alarminstruments in thedifferent boxes and buildings, and in such a manner that when a breakoccurs in the closed line A for instance, the circuit may be instantlyrestored through all the instruments in the buildings and boxes byturning the switch 3 of the open line B upon the button 0*, at thebattery-office 0 as described.

17. The combination and arrangement of the switches and buttons of thelines A and B upon the switch-board (shown in Fig. 17) and the branchesconnecting therewith for the purpose of testing for breaks in eitherline, or for switching out either line, or both, when desired,essentially as described.

18. The devices herein described for automatically closing one line bythe breaking of another, and consisting of a train of wheels,traveling-nut H screw G switch .9, magnet C and vibrating armature D, asdescribed.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

WILLIAM B. XVATKINS.

*itnesses:

T. H. UPPERMAN, A. E. H. J OHNSON.

